Coffee and Sleep

It’s summertime here in Manila, and we’re having surprisingly good weather today. I took an afternoon nap and, as I awoke, heard the leaves of some trees rustling outside the balcony. Of course, my room is not as wonderful as it sounds. I was actually taking full advantage of my parents’ king-size bed since they just hopped on a plane to Tokyo. They’re on a business trip/tour for a week so that means… I’m mom. 

I get the grocery list, mom’s credit card bills to pay, mom’s part time work (which I’ve been doing for the most part these past few months anyway), but… I also get:

1) The Car and our driver (HURRAH!!!)

2) Work COMPLETELY at my own pace, since I work with my mom and dad

3) A pool, a couch, a credit card to charge snacks and drinks with, and no parents. 

This isn’t the first time my parents have gone away on a trip. Lately they’ve been going without the kids (if you can call 23-35 yr olds “kids”) at least once a year, but it’s the first time my mom has left without completely stocking up the fridge and throwing instructions such as “don’t leave the house to drink” that I never follow anyway.

I guess that’s what being 23 is about, and 24 in 6 weeks actually! Changes are bound to happen right? I guess she figures if I’m really going to San Francisco next year for a couple of months, now’s the time to give me some money and freedom and see if I don’t get into any trouble. 

And of course I won’t! So I guess, with this and other things currently occupying my mind right now (relationships, work, etc.) we’re off to a different start to the summer, one with lots of changes and apprehension. But maybe different is good. 

Last night I sat on the couch of my hotel in Hong Kong and thought to myself that I don’t want to come back to Manila. It’s my home town and it’s wonderful, but going back to the real world did not appeal to me. I’ve been going to Hong Kong every year since I was 16, and now that I’m 23, it’s a lot harder. Going back to Manila means going back to the real world. Seven years ago, that meant looking forward to prom, six years ago, it was my high school graduation. And all throughout my college years, going home meant going back to university where my friends were students as well. But these past two trips have been different. Going back means working, and trying to establish your career. It’s as if your career will define you, and the pressure to start building it is extremely present. You can no longer push it aside, at 23, and think you’ll worry about it another time. 

So those were just some things I thought about for a few minutes, in between commercial breaks. I was on vacation after all, and didn’t want to ruin my satisfying viewing of “Notting Hill.” I thought to myself, though, that I’m lucky I have Brian. He has been… a person. (I hesitate to describe what he means to me or what his role is in my life for fear of sounding ambiguous and cliche.) He really is, this person. He challenges me, yet he never annoys me. He frustrates me actually. But I feel for him, I really do. *So that’s really all I can say in public. And my mind just flashed a reel of what my vows might sound like on our wedding day if we end up together. Yikes.*

Anyway, I arrived from the airport around dinnertime and went straight to my room to take a shower and wash off my hair. I find this surprise waiting for me on my bed!!!

It isn’t the yellow roses or white lilies that touch me the most, it’s the cutest card in the world. Who finds these things!? Crazy little Brians, that’s who! And so I can therefore conclude that, all in all, this has been a sweet day. It’s February 17. I dunno, I guess everyday is like Valentines day for us. I’m not a hard girl to please When it comes to these things, I’m quite traditional. Once a year, it’s just priceless to be told how special you are to the person who is special to you, too. 

jeremyrennersarms:

We were contacted by a casting agent looking for extras.
They are currently casting 1000 Crowd (Class B and below —- C, D, etc) for the film. Please send your profiles (name, age, height, vital stats, contact #s) and picture to janellyn.briones@gmail.com ASAP. Deadline of submission is January 6 (this Friday). Minimum age is 13years old and no maximum age limit (as long as he/she can walk).

Help spread the word!

I THINK I WILL APPLY!!!